As the final whistle was blown, signalling a dramatic Liverpool win, all eyes were on the £74 million man. Virgil van Dijk, the most expensive defender in world football, had just scored the winning goal on his debut, but even amid the wild celebrations, thoughts turned to the fallout from this fierce, frenetic FA Cup third-round tie.

This was far from the “friendly derby” of Merseyside football legend. Long before Van Dijk’s 84th-minute goal, there was an ugly flashpoint between Mason Holgate, the Everton defender, and Roberto Firmino, the Liverpool forward. After a flare-up on the touchline, Firmino reacted angrily to being pushed into an advertising hoarding and shouted something at Holgate. The Everton defender was furious and, judging by the television pictures, appeared to…

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